1. Briefly describe Annemarie and Ellen including a physical description of each girl and a brief description of each girl’s personality.
The girls are both about 11. Annemarie is a little bit skinny and has long legs. She also has silvery blonde hair and is a good athlete with a mature and determind mind. Ellen on the other hand has dark hair, which are usually in pigtails and is not as good of a athlete, but she and Anniemarie do think alike.
2. What is the De Frie Danske? Why does Mrs. Johansen believe the soldiers stopped the girls in the street?
The Free Danes which translates into De Frie Danske is an illeagle newspaper and its purpose is to inform Danes about the war and what is happening. Mrs. Johansen thinks that the soldiers stopped the girls because they were a bit edgy becuse of what the Resistance recently.
3. What does Annemarie understand about the Resistance? What can the reader infer about Peter Neilsen from the information about him in this chapter?
Annemarie understands that the Resistance is a group of Danes who are trying to sabotage the Nazis in any way possible, and that they are very brave because if they are caught they might be killed. The reader can infer from reading this chapter that Peter Neilsen is a supporter of the Resistance.
4. Why do you suppose Mrs. Rosen cautions the children to “be one of the crowd, always.” Be one of the many. Be sure that they never have reason to remember your face”?
I think that Mrs. Rosen cautions the girls because she knows that if the soldiers can remember either of the girls faces they will be able to pick them out in a crowd and the girls could possible become a target.
-Matt
Chapter 2
1. Papa tells Annemarie the story of the young boy who tells the German soldier that King Christian does not need special body guards because “all of Denmark is his bodyguard.” What does this story reveal to the reader about the Danish people?
This story revels not only that Danish people are very loyal to there king, they would even die for him, but also that Danes are quite peaceful people to not have to worry about voilence happening much at all.
2. Foreshadowing is the literary term for an author’s use of hints to suggest what action is to come. In what sense might this passage be an exaple of foreshadowing?
“Yes,” (Papa) said at last. “It is true. Any Danish citizen would die for Kings Christian, to protect him.”
“You too, Papa?”
“Yes”
“And Mama?”
“Mama, too.”
Annemarie shivered again. “Then I would too, Papa. If I had to.”
I think that the Foreshadow is that because Anniemarie is saying that she would die for the king I think that she is going to do something very couragious for the kings saftey.
3. For what reasons did King Christian surrender to the Nazis?
The reason that King Christian surrendered to the Nazis is because he knew that they had a very storng army and that the Danish army was very small. Through knowing this he could put together that the Nazis would win and that many Danes would die if they fought.
4. In what ways has Peter changed since Lise’s death?
Peter changed in many ways. Before her death he was a fun-loving boy who always loved to joke, but now he was always hurried and talked quickly. He didnt joke or sing songs any more; usually he would just talk to mama and papa.
-Matt
Chapter 3
1. List at least three hardships the people of Copenhagen must endure because of the war.
Three hardships the people of Copenhagen have to endure because of the war are shortages of sugar, buttar, and other goods. They must also endure that Nazi soldiers standing at the street corners, stopping them if they look suspiciuos. The third thing the they have to endure is that they haven't been and won't be abel to go on vocations for a long time.
2. Why is Mama “troubled” when Annemarie tells her the button shop is closed?
Mama is worried because if the letter was written in German and had a swastika on it that might have meant that the Nazis made the Hischs close the shop. If the Nazis did that then there will probably be many more closing and more shortages.
3. What information about the Germans in Denmark does Peter bring when he comes to visit?
Peter brings the sad news that what happened to the button shop has happened all over and that the Nazis want to tourment all Jewish people.
4. Annemarie realizes that her friend Ellen is Jewish and is in danger. Worried about her friend, Annemarie says, “Now I think that all of Denmark must be a bodyguard for the Jews.” Later in her bed, Annemarie wonders if she would really be brave enough to risk her life for Denmark’s Jews. She thinks to herself that she was glad to be an ordinary person who would never be called upon for courage. What future event might this passage foreshadow? Is there a theme being expressed here and what is it?
I think that this passage might foreshadow a time when Anniemarie must be couragious and stand up for a Jewish person or someone else and be their "bodygaurd' I think that the theme being expressed here is that anyone can do something courageous and heoric.
-Matt
11/5/09
Chapter 4
1. For what reason does Kirsti mistakenly believe that she once saw the fireworks at the Tivoli Gardens?
Kirsti wrongly believes that she saw the fireworks on her birthday because the night of her birthday she had been awakened by the Nazis burning parts Denmark which made the sky light up and some objects exploding made giant booms and bangs which Kirsti had been waken up to.
2. What does Annemarie’s father think about the Jewish “relocation”?
Annemarie's father doesn't like the Jewish "relocation." He thinks that the relocation is wrong and dangerous; he thinks that they must help the Jewish people.
3. Why do you suppose Peter leaves Ellen with Annemarie’s family instead of including her when he helps her parents to go somewhere to hide?
I think that Peter leaves Ellen with Annemarie's family and not with her parents because if the Nazis came it would be hard to make an excuse for having most of a family and another family hidden in one house. I think that Peter was smart in doing this because if he had left them together they probably would have been relocated.
-Matt
Chapter 5
1. When Annemarie and Ellen talk about Lise’s accident, Annemarie remembers that her “Papa looked so angry. He made one hand into a fist, and he kept pounding it into the other hand.” What does this description of Papa’s reaction to Lise’s death suggest to the reader about the nature of her accident?
This description of Papa's reaction to Lise's death suggests to the reader that in the car accident that Lise died in it was not her fault and that someone else made a bad decision and it resulted that Papa's daughter had to die.
2. Ellen is worried that the Germans will come into the Johansen home and take her away. Annemarie reassures Ellen by telling her that she is safe. Why does Annemarie believe Ellen is safe?
Annemarie believes that Ellen is safe because her father promised her that she was safe and Papa always keeps his promises. She also believes that she is safe because she thinks that the Nazis wont come, not in a million years.
3. Why does Pape tear the three photographs out of the album?
Papa tears the three photographs out of the album because he needs to prove to the Nazis that "the dark haired one" was part of the family and those three photographs were baby pictures of all the kids. When the officer looked at the first two and saw the two girls, Annemarie and Kirsti, now grown up he knows that those are the real girls, and when he looks at the third and sees a picture of a girl with dark hair he is not able to prove that Ellen is not part of the family because he thinks he is looking at the familys baby picture her.
-Matt
Chapter 6
1. What are Papa and Uncle Henrik talking about when they talk about “cigarettes”?
When Papa and Uncle Henrik are talking and using the word "cigarettes" even though they are not actually bringing any real cigarettes; they are bringing one of their cigarettes. Papa and Uncle Henrik use "cigarettes" as a code word to say a Jewish person; when they say "I am sending you one pack of cigarettes; yes just one; there are plenty of cigarettes here in Copenhagen" they really mean "I am sending you a Jewish girl; yes just one girl; there are many Jews here in Copenhagen."
2. For what reason is Uncle Henrik’s home a good place to take a Jewish refugee?
The reason Uncle Henrik's home is a goodd place to take a Jewish refugee is because Uncle Henrik is a fisherman and leaves his house very early so it wouldn't be peculiar to have a man walking around at the crack of dawn.
-Matt
Chapter 7
1. Briefly describe Mama’s relationship with her brother Henrik.
Mama's relationship with her brother Henrik is a very much a brother/sister relationship. They really and dearly care about each other and love to talk with one another, but they also can't help but poke fun at each other.
2. What is different about this visit to Uncle Henrik’s house from visits Annemarie has made there in times past?
This trip to Uncle Henrik's house is different to Annemarie from previous visits because even though the jokes are still appering here and there there isn't any real heartfelt laughter, there are only little laughs that aren't really meant at all.
-Matt
11/6/09
Chapter8
1.Most of the day Annemarie and Ellen happily play until Uncle Henrik returns to the house. What two statements does he make that worry or puzzle Annemarie? How does she react when she hears these statements?
The two statements Uncle Henrik makes that worry and puzzle and worry Annemarie are "Tomorrow will be a day for fishing," and "I will stay on my boat all night." Annemarie is both puzzled and worried because she has herd the statement about the weather being right for fishing before and doesn't understand it because the Danish fisherman go out no matter what the weather is. Annemarie is worried about the other statement because her uncle never stays on his boat all night, and she knows that there must be a very odd reason for this.
-Matt
11/7/09
Chapter 9
1. Who do you think the ‘mourners” are?
I think that the 'mourners' are other Jewish people who are trying to avoid the Nazis relocation by escaping to Sweden.
2. How does Uncle Hunrik explain to Annemarie why he and Mama lied to her about Great –aunt Birte?
The way Uncle Hunrik explains why Annemarie is by telling her that it is easier to be brave if you don't know much about the reason you need to be brave.
3. Find a line from this chapter that shows Annemarie is maturing.
Although she didn't understand what was happening, or why the casket was there - or who, in truth, was in it - she knew it was better, safer, for Ellen to believe in Great-aunt Birte. So she said nothing.
-Matt
11/7/09
Chapter 10
1. What familiar phrase is in the psalm that Peter reads to the “mourners”?
The familiar phrase I found in this psalm is "he who numbers the stars one by one."
2. How do you think most of the people at Uncle Henrik’s house felt during the wake?
I think that the people at Uncle Henrik's house during the wake felt extremely worried, nervous, and scared because they all knew that in the next 24 hours they would be risking their lives the whole time.
3. How does Mama keep the soldier from opening the casket?
Mama keeps the soldiers from opening the casket by making them believe that the "Great-aunt Birte" in the casket died of typhus, an extremely contagious and deadly disease.
4. Reread the psalm and Annemarie’s reaction to the reading of it. What do you think is the significance of the title of this book?
This psalm is significant to the story because the psalm is about how God is so amazing that he can number all the stars and always watches everyone. In the book God is definitely watching over the Rosens and other Jewish people in the story as they escape to Sweden. Good answer!
-Matt
Chapter 11
1. What is in the casket?
In the casket there are old used jackets and sweaters for the Jews Annemarie and her family are helping escape into Sweden because in their hiding spot on the boat is very wet and cold, and they need to stay warm.
2. Why did Peter insist upon giving the baby some medicine?
Peter insists on giving the baby the medicine because the medicine will keep the baby sleeping and quiet; he knows that if the baby awakes and starts crying the Nazis will hear. Upon hearing the baby they will insist on searching the deck and will find all the Jews being smuggled into Sweden; which will get them all arested.
3. One possible theme for this novel is that it is easier for people to be brave if they do not know everything. Use an incident that happened in this novel to prove this.
One way to prove that this could be a theme for the novel is that when the Nazi searching the house during the wake he asks Annemarie who died, she easily answers her Great-aunt Birte. If Annemarie had know that there really wasn't really anyone in the casket she might have stutered or paused, causing the Nazi to check the casket himself. If he had checked the casket and seen the sweaters and jackets she would have had everyone arrested.
4. Find a section of this chapter that shows Annemarie no longer thinks of herself as the carefree child she once was.
A section of this chapter that shows Annemarie is no longer thinks of herself as a carefree child she once was is the part when the word pride is mentioned. Annemarie notices that pride is a hard consept to understand and that she now understands it and notices that even though the Rosens are sitting there with the old tathered clothing on and rags for blankets in there hands, there pride isn't one bit damaged. It is the same as when Ellen is up on stage, and when their family is lighting the Sabbath candles.
-Matt
Chapter 12
1. Do you think Annemarie will meet any soldiers on the way to Uncle Henrik’s boat?
I have already read this chapter so I no that she does run into a group of soldiers and their dogs.
2. What observations about waiting does Annemarie make in this chapter?
The observations Annemarie makes about waiting is that it is harder for the ones who are waiting, there is less danger but much, much more fear.
3. Why does Annemarie worry about her mother’s safety
Annemarie worries about her mother's safety because she knows that if her mother was caught by a soldier she would be aressted for sure. When Annemarie cannot find her mother inside the house she begins to think that this what has happened.
-Matt
Chapter 13
1. Why does Annemarie volunteer to take the packet to Uncle Henrik?
Annemarie volunteered to take the packet to her uncle because, even though she doesn't know what it is, she knows that it is very important and maybe even a matter of life and death for her uncle, the Rosens, and the other Jewish people.
2. Why doesn’t Mama tell Annemarie what is in the basket?
Mama doesn't tell Annemarie what is in the basket because if Annemarie knew what was in it, she would have had a harder time choosing the brave thing to do.
-Matt
Chapter 14
1. There is a reference to the story of Little Red Riding Hood in this chapter. Which characters from story are like Red Riding Hood and the wolf?
In the story's reference to the story of Little Red Riding Hood, the character of Red Riding Hood is like Annemarie as she runs down the path bringing "lunch" to her uncle. The character of the wolf is like the Nazis as they come out of the woods and pose trouble to Annemarie.
2. In this chapter we see that Annemarie is confronted with reality and begins to less of a child. What is the reality she confronts?
The reality that she confronts to become more of a child in her actions is to just do what she would think Kirsti would do. She thought about how when the soldiers stopped the three girls as they were running home from school Kirsti showed no fear at all in the soldiers; Annemarie decided that she would not be afraid of the soldiers at all. I think you missed the point of this question, Matt. Annemarie know that she must act like a child and stifle her fear of the soldiers to protect Ellen and the other Jewish people. She knows a lot of people's lives depend upon her acting the part of a silly child.
-Matt
Chapter 15
1. What is your reaction to how the soldiers treated Annemarie?
I think that the soldiers treated Annemarie absoulutely wrong. I think that they should not have even stopped the poor little Annemarie as she was running to get to her uncle.
2. List three times when the German soldiers are rude to Annemarie.
Three ways the soldiers were rude to Annemarie are they stole her bread to feed their dogs, slowed her down to the point she thought she would miss her uncle, and didnt even let up when she started to cry.
3. Why does Annemarie act like Kirsti?
Annemarie acts like Kirsti because she knows from the last time the last time they were stopped that the soldiers thought nothing of little Kirsti other than that she couldn't be doing anything bad.
4. Did anything Uncle Henrik tell Annemarie surprise you? What?
When Uncle Henrik tells Annemarie that without the little handkerchief that was in the envolope he wasn't sure thing would be ok but with it he tells her all is well which surprised me.
-Matt
Chapter 16
1. How does Uncle Henrik define “brave” to Annemarie? Based on this definition, is Annnemarie be considered brave?
Uncle Henrik defines "brave" to Annemarie as not thinking of the dangers, but thinking of what you must do. According to his definition Annemarie is considered brave because not once did she think of what might happen if the Nazis arressted her, but what she would do once the Nazis walked on.
2. What secret information does Uncle Henrik share with Annemarie about the Rosens?
The secret information Uncle Henrik shares with Annemarie about the Rosens is that they where hidden below the deck when she came and made the delivery and that they herd her as she was talking to her uncle.
3. Describe something funny that happens in this chapter.
Something funny that happens in this chapter is as Uncle Henrik is telling Annemarie about the drugged handkerchief, he explains that the reason the Nazis don't look in the dead fish themselves is because they can't stand getting their shinny boots dirty. No, actually, it happened when she got back to Uncle Henrik's place and milks the cow, but the cat falls in the pail of milk.
-Matt
Chapter 17
1. This chapter takes place two years later after the war. How do the Danish people include their Jewish neighbors in the celebration?
The Danish people include their Jewish neighbors in the celebration of the end of the war by going into the vacant appartments and hanging Danish flags in their windows.
2. How did Peter die? How did Lise really die?
Peter died because he was caught supporting the resistance, and was killed by being shot in the public square. Lise died for the same reason as Peter but not the same way; she was run over by a military truck as she was running away form the soldiers.
3. Where does Annemarie hide Ellen’s Star of David necklace?
Annemarie hid Ellen's Star of David necklace in the pocket of Lise's yellow dress inside the blue chest with Lise's stuff.
-Matt
Afterward
1. List three real historical events that were included in this novel.
Three real historical events that were included in this novel are the story about the soldier who the man that rode his horse through Copenhagen every day, and that the Danish navy did sink their ships to ovoid having them be stolen by the Nazis. Another real evet included in this novel is that the Danis Resistance did work fast to creat a way to wreck the Nazi dog's noses and put the chemical in handkerchiefs.
-Matt You answered most questions correctly, Matt, but you could have been more careful about spelling. You had a lot of mistakes that basically resulted from being careless.
Darkness over Denmark Chapter 1
Why did Germany want to take over Denmark? In other words, what benefits did Germany gain by occupying Denmark?
Germany wanted to take over Denmark for many reasons. A few of them being that Denmark was a small country, it offered railroad lines to Swedish war materials to Germany, it was almost a neutral zone inbetween Britian and Germany, and by taking over it Geermany could move on to Norway. The Danes also had many rich food resources to help feed the Nazis.
Chapter 2
What did KIng Christian do to defy the Germans?
To defy the Germans King Christian would ignore them as they saluted him on his horse ride through Copenhagen.
What did the Danes defy the Germans?
To defy the Germans, the Danes would take pride in what the king was doing in ignoring the Germans and now more than ever noticed that they need a monarch.
Chapter 3 Briefly describe the different groups of Jews in Denmark. Use bullet points.
Recent immigrants from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland; there were about 1,500 of them in Denmark on April 9; they knew first hand how mean and vicious the Nazis were
World War I Jewish refugees from several European countries
A few thousand came to Denmark at the turn of the century; almost all were from Russia; many were young men who in Russia were kidnapped off the streets and forced to serve in the Russian army for twenty five years
Viking Jews; almost all 1,600 of them had families who had lived there for centuries; their ancestors had come to Denmark because King Christian IV, in 1622, promised them freedom of religion and the right to ingage in trade
Jews in transit; refugees-in-transit; 1,500 young Zionists came for agricultural training in Denmark will they were on there way to Palestine; about 500 were trapped by the occupation
Refugee children; were being rescued from Germany by particularly womans clubs; were called "Aliyah" or the "League children"; they were stuck in Denmark on their way to Palestine; 174 were left in September of 1943
How did Denmark treat its Jewish residents differently than other countries?
Denmark treated its Jewish residents differently than other countries because insted of trapping them inside ghetto walls, Denmark gave them equal rights. Danish Jews were always respected and never treated wrongly because of what they believed in.
Chapter 4 Describe how the Resistance grew using newspapers in Denmark.
The Resistance grew using newspapers in Denmark because through the papers a lot of much wanted, but ruled illegal by the Nazis, information was shared. Offical newspapers were usually only allowed to print the Nazi version of the story, and through the use of underground newspapers shared the Danish version of the story.
What was the Churchill Club?
The Churchill Club was one of the first organized sabotage groups. All its eleven members were boys ages fourteen to seventeen. They would do whatever small sabotage actions they could think of such as steal weapons and set railroad cars on fire. Sadly, they were arrested for their actons and were convicted when tried.
Chapter 5
In what ways did the Resistance get guns?
The Resistance got guns by making them themselves, secretly bringing them into Denmark from other countries, and by stealing them, mostly from the German soldiers.
Chapter 6
Describe what two of the people mentioned in this chapter did to resist the Nazis.
One person mentioned in this chapter who tried to resist the Nazis was Johan Legrath. His act of resistance was to help downed pilots get back across to Sweden and they would then go the rest of the way home on their own. Although all he had to do was sit with his girlfriend and make sure the person on the kayak came back on time, he barely had any idea who anyone was or what they had done to help him and the others involved in this plan.
Another person mentioned in this chapter who tried to resist the Nazis was Dora Thing. What she did to help the resistance was she helped her husband, Borge Thing, escape from the hospital in the middle of his eight months sentace to jail. To help him all she did was bring him a shopping bag of normal civilian clothes, but with out them he would have easily been noticed and sentanced to even more jail time.
Chapter 7
How did Werner Best manage to keep many of the Jews in Denmark?
Werner Best was able to keep many of the Jews in Denmark because on many occasions he was questioned about he rumors that the Jews were going to be taken away, but each time he completely denied any kind of that action.
Chapter 8
Who is Niels Bohr, and how did he help the Jews in Denmark?
Niels Bohr was a half Jew who escaped the Nazi roundup of Jews once the news of it was conformed. Once he was safely in Sweden the allies wanted him to fly to London but he insisted on talking to the Swedish foreign minister and later the Swedish king requesting that they be a safe place for all the fleeing Danish Jews.
Is there any part of the description of Ben Bogratschew's escape to Sweded that reminds you of details from Number the Stars?
Two parts of the description of Bens's escape remind me of Number the Stars. One part that reminds me of Number the Stars is when to avoid the Nazi roundup of the Jews Ben's family splits up and stays with different friends; just like in Number the Stars when the Rosens have to go into hiding the family splits up and stays with different friends. Another part that reminds me of Number the Stars is when the family leaves in the night the baby is given a drug to keep it sleeping, just like in Number the Stars the baby has to take a drug to keep it sleeping.
Chapter 9
What affect did the persecution and round up of Danish Jews have on other Danish citizens?
The persecution and round up of Danish Jews had the affect of making the other Danish citizens mad and made them have an even bigger will to defeat the Nazis.
Explain what Bobs Peschcke-Koedt did to help the Resistance.
What Bobs Peschcke-Koedt did to help the Resistance is he would take the picture of people trying to get to Sweden, mostly ploicemen, to help them make a fake ID. Because Bobs was a professional photographer it wasn't odd at all to for him to have a photo shoot set up in his basement.
Why was the bombing of the Shell House so important?
The bombing of the Shell House was very important becuase if it wouldn't have happened many very active resistance groups could have been caught. The Nazis had found out so much information about some resistance people and they kept almost all the files inside the Shell House so if the bombing had not taken place almost the entire Danish Resistance would have been shut down.
Chapter 12
How did Dr. Holm convince the Nazis to release Danish Jews?
Dr. Holm convinced the Nazis to release the Danish Jews by going to one of their parties bringing big amounts of food and drinks. Once many of the Nazis were a bit drunk he brought out a form that, if signed, would free the Danish Jews. He went around the room and had all the men sign it, even though many of the men were too drunk to even know what they were signing.
Chapter 13
What action officially closed the books on the German occupation of Denmark?
The action that offically closed the books was when Werner Best called up Bibber Peschcke-Koedt and asked him and his resistance group and come and arrest him. He did this because he feared that the Danes would come after him and try to kill him.
When many of the Danish Jews returned to Denmark, what did they find?
Wehn many of the Danish Jews returned they found belongings intact, clean painted homes and apartments, and well-cared-for pets. When they returned home they found completly happy, joyful, and proud Danes, for they had just defeated the Nazis.
11/03/09
Chapter 1
1. Briefly describe Annemarie and Ellen including a physical description of each girl and a brief description of each girl’s personality.
The girls are both about 11. Annemarie is a little bit skinny and has long legs. She also has silvery blonde hair and is a good athlete with a mature and determind mind. Ellen on the other hand has dark hair, which are usually in pigtails and is not as good of a athlete, but she and Anniemarie do think alike.
2. What is the De Frie Danske? Why does Mrs. Johansen believe the soldiers stopped the girls in the street?
The Free Danes which translates into De Frie Danske is an illeagle newspaper and its purpose is to inform Danes about the war and what is happening. Mrs. Johansen thinks that the soldiers stopped the girls because they were a bit edgy becuse of what the Resistance recently.
3. What does Annemarie understand about the Resistance? What can the reader infer about Peter Neilsen from the information about him in this chapter?
Annemarie understands that the Resistance is a group of Danes who are trying to sabotage the Nazis in any way possible, and that they are very brave because if they are caught they might be killed. The reader can infer from reading this chapter that Peter Neilsen is a supporter of the Resistance.
4. Why do you suppose Mrs. Rosen cautions the children to “be one of the crowd, always.” Be one of the many. Be sure that they never have reason to remember your face”?
I think that Mrs. Rosen cautions the girls because she knows that if the soldiers can remember either of the girls faces they will be able to pick them out in a crowd and the girls could possible become a target.
-Matt
Chapter 2
1. Papa tells Annemarie the story of the young boy who tells the German soldier that King Christian does not need special body guards because “all of Denmark is his bodyguard.” What does this story reveal to the reader about the Danish people?
This story revels not only that Danish people are very loyal to there king, they would even die for him, but also that Danes are quite peaceful people to not have to worry about voilence happening much at all.
2. Foreshadowing is the literary term for an author’s use of hints to suggest what action is to come. In what sense might this passage be an exaple of foreshadowing?
“Yes,” (Papa) said at last. “It is true. Any Danish citizen would die for Kings Christian, to protect him.”
“You too, Papa?”
“Yes”
“And Mama?”
“Mama, too.”
Annemarie shivered again. “Then I would too, Papa. If I had to.”
I think that the Foreshadow is that because Anniemarie is saying that she would die for the king I think that she is going to do something very couragious for the kings saftey.
3. For what reasons did King Christian surrender to the Nazis?
The reason that King Christian surrendered to the Nazis is because he knew that they had a very storng army and that the Danish army was very small. Through knowing this he could put together that the Nazis would win and that many Danes would die if they fought.
4. In what ways has Peter changed since Lise’s death?
Peter changed in many ways. Before her death he was a fun-loving boy who always loved to joke, but now he was always hurried and talked quickly. He didnt joke or sing songs any more; usually he would just talk to mama and papa.
-Matt
Chapter 3
1. List at least three hardships the people of Copenhagen must endure because of the war.
Three hardships the people of Copenhagen have to endure because of the war are shortages of sugar, buttar, and other goods. They must also endure that Nazi soldiers standing at the street corners, stopping them if they look suspiciuos. The third thing the they have to endure is that they haven't been and won't be abel to go on vocations for a long time.
2. Why is Mama “troubled” when Annemarie tells her the button shop is closed?
Mama is worried because if the letter was written in German and had a swastika on it that might have meant that the Nazis made the Hischs close the shop. If the Nazis did that then there will probably be many more closing and more shortages.
3. What information about the Germans in Denmark does Peter bring when he comes to visit?
Peter brings the sad news that what happened to the button shop has happened all over and that the Nazis want to tourment all Jewish people.
4. Annemarie realizes that her friend Ellen is Jewish and is in danger. Worried about her friend, Annemarie says, “Now I think that all of Denmark must be a bodyguard for the Jews.” Later in her bed, Annemarie wonders if she would really be brave enough to risk her life for Denmark’s Jews. She thinks to herself that she was glad to be an ordinary person who would never be called upon for courage. What future event might this passage foreshadow? Is there a theme being expressed here and what is it?
I think that this passage might foreshadow a time when Anniemarie must be couragious and stand up for a Jewish person or someone else and be their "bodygaurd' I think that the theme being expressed here is that anyone can do something courageous and heoric.
-Matt
11/5/09
Chapter 4
1. For what reason does Kirsti mistakenly believe that she once saw the fireworks at the Tivoli Gardens?
Kirsti wrongly believes that she saw the fireworks on her birthday because the night of her birthday she had been awakened by the Nazis burning parts Denmark which made the sky light up and some objects exploding made giant booms and bangs which Kirsti had been waken up to.
2. What does Annemarie’s father think about the Jewish “relocation”?
Annemarie's father doesn't like the Jewish "relocation." He thinks that the relocation is wrong and dangerous; he thinks that they must help the Jewish people.
3. Why do you suppose Peter leaves Ellen with Annemarie’s family instead of including her when he helps her parents to go somewhere to hide?
I think that Peter leaves Ellen with Annemarie's family and not with her parents because if the Nazis came it would be hard to make an excuse for having most of a family and another family hidden in one house. I think that Peter was smart in doing this because if he had left them together they probably would have been relocated.
-Matt
Chapter 5
1. When Annemarie and Ellen talk about Lise’s accident, Annemarie remembers that her “Papa looked so angry. He made one hand into a fist, and he kept pounding it into the other hand.” What does this description of Papa’s reaction to Lise’s death suggest to the reader about the nature of her accident?
This description of Papa's reaction to Lise's death suggests to the reader that in the car accident that Lise died in it was not her fault and that someone else made a bad decision and it resulted that Papa's daughter had to die.
2. Ellen is worried that the Germans will come into the Johansen home and take her away. Annemarie reassures Ellen by telling her that she is safe. Why does Annemarie believe Ellen is safe?
Annemarie believes that Ellen is safe because her father promised her that she was safe and Papa always keeps his promises. She also believes that she is safe because she thinks that the Nazis wont come, not in a million years.
3. Why does Pape tear the three photographs out of the album?
Papa tears the three photographs out of the album because he needs to prove to the Nazis that "the dark haired one" was part of the family and those three photographs were baby pictures of all the kids. When the officer looked at the first two and saw the two girls, Annemarie and Kirsti, now grown up he knows that those are the real girls, and when he looks at the third and sees a picture of a girl with dark hair he is not able to prove that Ellen is not part of the family because he thinks he is looking at the familys baby picture her.
-Matt
Chapter 6
1. What are Papa and Uncle Henrik talking about when they talk about “cigarettes”?
When Papa and Uncle Henrik are talking and using the word "cigarettes" even though they are not actually bringing any real cigarettes; they are bringing one of their cigarettes. Papa and Uncle Henrik use "cigarettes" as a code word to say a Jewish person; when they say "I am sending you one pack of cigarettes; yes just one; there are plenty of cigarettes here in Copenhagen" they really mean "I am sending you a Jewish girl; yes just one girl; there are many Jews here in Copenhagen."
2. For what reason is Uncle Henrik’s home a good place to take a Jewish refugee?
The reason Uncle Henrik's home is a goodd place to take a Jewish refugee is because Uncle Henrik is a fisherman and leaves his house very early so it wouldn't be peculiar to have a man walking around at the crack of dawn.
-Matt
Chapter 7
1. Briefly describe Mama’s relationship with her brother Henrik.
Mama's relationship with her brother Henrik is a very much a brother/sister relationship. They really and dearly care about each other and love to talk with one another, but they also can't help but poke fun at each other.
2. What is different about this visit to Uncle Henrik’s house from visits Annemarie has made there in times past?
This trip to Uncle Henrik's house is different to Annemarie from previous visits because even though the jokes are still appering here and there there isn't any real heartfelt laughter, there are only little laughs that aren't really meant at all.
-Matt
11/6/09
Chapter 8
1.Most of the day Annemarie and Ellen happily play until Uncle Henrik returns to the house. What two statements does he make that worry or puzzle Annemarie? How does she react when she hears these statements?
The two statements Uncle Henrik makes that worry and puzzle and worry Annemarie are "Tomorrow will be a day for fishing," and "I will stay on my boat all night." Annemarie is both puzzled and worried because she has herd the statement about the weather being right for fishing before and doesn't understand it because the Danish fisherman go out no matter what the weather is. Annemarie is worried about the other statement because her uncle never stays on his boat all night, and she knows that there must be a very odd reason for this.
-Matt
11/7/09
Chapter 9
1. Who do you think the ‘mourners” are?
I think that the 'mourners' are other Jewish people who are trying to avoid the Nazis relocation by escaping to Sweden.
2. How does Uncle Hunrik explain to Annemarie why he and Mama lied to her about Great –aunt Birte?
The way Uncle Hunrik explains why Annemarie is by telling her that it is easier to be brave if you don't know much about the reason you need to be brave.
3. Find a line from this chapter that shows Annemarie is maturing.
Although she didn't understand what was happening, or why the casket was there - or who, in truth, was in it - she knew it was better, safer, for Ellen to believe in Great-aunt Birte. So she said nothing.
-Matt
11/7/09
Chapter 10
1. What familiar phrase is in the psalm that Peter reads to the “mourners”?
The familiar phrase I found in this psalm is "he who numbers the stars one by one."
2. How do you think most of the people at Uncle Henrik’s house felt during the wake?
I think that the people at Uncle Henrik's house during the wake felt extremely worried, nervous, and scared because they all knew that in the next 24 hours they would be risking their lives the whole time.
3. How does Mama keep the soldier from opening the casket?
Mama keeps the soldiers from opening the casket by making them believe that the "Great-aunt Birte" in the casket died of typhus, an extremely contagious and deadly disease.
4. Reread the psalm and Annemarie’s reaction to the reading of it. What do you think is the significance of the title of this book?
This psalm is significant to the story because the psalm is about how God is so amazing that he can number all the stars and always watches everyone. In the book God is definitely watching over the Rosens and other Jewish people in the story as they escape to Sweden. Good answer!
-Matt
Chapter 11
1. What is in the casket?
In the casket there are old used jackets and sweaters for the Jews Annemarie and her family are helping escape into Sweden because in their hiding spot on the boat is very wet and cold, and they need to stay warm.
2. Why did Peter insist upon giving the baby some medicine?
Peter insists on giving the baby the medicine because the medicine will keep the baby sleeping and quiet; he knows that if the baby awakes and starts crying the Nazis will hear. Upon hearing the baby they will insist on searching the deck and will find all the Jews being smuggled into Sweden; which will get them all arested.
3. One possible theme for this novel is that it is easier for people to be brave if they do not know everything. Use an incident that happened in this novel to prove this.
One way to prove that this could be a theme for the novel is that when the Nazi searching the house during the wake he asks Annemarie who died, she easily answers her Great-aunt Birte. If Annemarie had know that there really wasn't really anyone in the casket she might have stutered or paused, causing the Nazi to check the casket himself. If he had checked the casket and seen the sweaters and jackets she would have had everyone arrested.
4. Find a section of this chapter that shows Annemarie no longer thinks of herself as the carefree child she once was.
A section of this chapter that shows Annemarie is no longer thinks of herself as a carefree child she once was is the part when the word pride is mentioned. Annemarie notices that pride is a hard consept to understand and that she now understands it and notices that even though the Rosens are sitting there with the old tathered clothing on and rags for blankets in there hands, there pride isn't one bit damaged. It is the same as when Ellen is up on stage, and when their family is lighting the Sabbath candles.
-Matt
Chapter 12
1. Do you think Annemarie will meet any soldiers on the way to Uncle Henrik’s boat?
I have already read this chapter so I no that she does run into a group of soldiers and their dogs.
2. What observations about waiting does Annemarie make in this chapter?
The observations Annemarie makes about waiting is that it is harder for the ones who are waiting, there is less danger but much, much more fear.
3. Why does Annemarie worry about her mother’s safety
Annemarie worries about her mother's safety because she knows that if her mother was caught by a soldier she would be aressted for sure. When Annemarie cannot find her mother inside the house she begins to think that this what has happened.
-Matt
1. Why does Annemarie volunteer to take the packet to Uncle Henrik?
Annemarie volunteered to take the packet to her uncle because, even though she doesn't know what it is, she knows that it is very important and maybe even a matter of life and death for her uncle, the Rosens, and the other Jewish people.
2. Why doesn’t Mama tell Annemarie what is in the basket?
Mama doesn't tell Annemarie what is in the basket because if Annemarie knew what was in it, she would have had a harder time choosing the brave thing to do.
-Matt
Chapter 14
1. There is a reference to the story of Little Red Riding Hood in this chapter. Which characters from story are like Red Riding Hood and the wolf?
In the story's reference to the story of Little Red Riding Hood, the character of Red Riding Hood is like Annemarie as she runs down the path bringing "lunch" to her uncle. The character of the wolf is like the Nazis as they come out of the woods and pose trouble to Annemarie.
2. In this chapter we see that Annemarie is confronted with reality and begins to less of a child. What is the reality she confronts?
The reality that she confronts to become more of a child in her actions is to just do what she would think Kirsti would do. She thought about how when the soldiers stopped the three girls as they were running home from school Kirsti showed no fear at all in the soldiers; Annemarie decided that she would not be afraid of the soldiers at all.
I think you missed the point of this question, Matt. Annemarie know that she must act like a child and stifle her fear of the soldiers to protect Ellen and the other Jewish people. She knows a lot of people's lives depend upon her acting the part of a silly child.
-Matt
Chapter 15
1. What is your reaction to how the soldiers treated Annemarie?
I think that the soldiers treated Annemarie absoulutely wrong. I think that they should not have even stopped the poor little Annemarie as she was running to get to her uncle.
2. List three times when the German soldiers are rude to Annemarie.
Three ways the soldiers were rude to Annemarie are they stole her bread to feed their dogs, slowed her down to the point she thought she would miss her uncle, and didnt even let up when she started to cry.
3. Why does Annemarie act like Kirsti?
Annemarie acts like Kirsti because she knows from the last time the last time they were stopped that the soldiers thought nothing of little Kirsti other than that she couldn't be doing anything bad.
4. Did anything Uncle Henrik tell Annemarie surprise you? What?
When Uncle Henrik tells Annemarie that without the little handkerchief that was in the envolope he wasn't sure thing would be ok but with it he tells her all is well which surprised me.
-Matt
Chapter 16
1. How does Uncle Henrik define “brave” to Annemarie? Based on this definition, is Annnemarie be considered brave?
Uncle Henrik defines "brave" to Annemarie as not thinking of the dangers, but thinking of what you must do. According to his definition Annemarie is considered brave because not once did she think of what might happen if the Nazis arressted her, but what she would do once the Nazis walked on.
2. What secret information does Uncle Henrik share with Annemarie about the Rosens?
The secret information Uncle Henrik shares with Annemarie about the Rosens is that they where hidden below the deck when she came and made the delivery and that they herd her as she was talking to her uncle.
3. Describe something funny that happens in this chapter.
Something funny that happens in this chapter is as Uncle Henrik is telling Annemarie about the drugged handkerchief, he explains that the reason the Nazis don't look in the dead fish themselves is because they can't stand getting their shinny boots dirty.
No, actually, it happened when she got back to Uncle Henrik's place and milks the cow, but the cat falls in the pail of milk.
-Matt
Chapter 17
1. This chapter takes place two years later after the war. How do the Danish people include their Jewish neighbors in the celebration?
The Danish people include their Jewish neighbors in the celebration of the end of the war by going into the vacant appartments and hanging Danish flags in their windows.
2. How did Peter die? How did Lise really die?
Peter died because he was caught supporting the resistance, and was killed by being shot in the public square. Lise died for the same reason as Peter but not the same way; she was run over by a military truck as she was running away form the soldiers.
3. Where does Annemarie hide Ellen’s Star of David necklace?
Annemarie hid Ellen's Star of David necklace in the pocket of Lise's yellow dress inside the blue chest with Lise's stuff.
-Matt
Afterward
1. List three real historical events that were included in this novel.
Three real historical events that were included in this novel are the story about the soldier who the man that rode his horse through Copenhagen every day, and that the Danish navy did sink their ships to ovoid having them be stolen by the Nazis. Another real evet included in this novel is that the Danis Resistance did work fast to creat a way to wreck the Nazi dog's noses and put the chemical in handkerchiefs.
-Matt
You answered most questions correctly, Matt, but you could have been more careful about spelling. You had a lot of mistakes that basically resulted from being careless.
Darkness over Denmark
Chapter 1
Why did Germany want to take over Denmark? In other words, what benefits did Germany gain by occupying Denmark?
Germany wanted to take over Denmark for many reasons. A few of them being that Denmark was a small country, it offered railroad lines to Swedish war materials to Germany, it was almost a neutral zone inbetween Britian and Germany, and by taking over it Geermany could move on to Norway. The Danes also had many rich food resources to help feed the Nazis.
Chapter 2
What did KIng Christian do to defy the Germans?
To defy the Germans King Christian would ignore them as they saluted him on his horse ride through Copenhagen.
What did the Danes defy the Germans?
To defy the Germans, the Danes would take pride in what the king was doing in ignoring the Germans and now more than ever noticed that they need a monarch.
Chapter 3
Briefly describe the different groups of Jews in Denmark. Use bullet points.
How did Denmark treat its Jewish residents differently than other countries?
Denmark treated its Jewish residents differently than other countries because insted of trapping them inside ghetto walls, Denmark gave them equal rights. Danish Jews were always respected and never treated wrongly because of what they believed in.
Chapter 4
Describe how the Resistance grew using newspapers in Denmark.
The Resistance grew using newspapers in Denmark because through the papers a lot of much wanted, but ruled illegal by the Nazis, information was shared. Offical newspapers were usually only allowed to print the Nazi version of the story, and through the use of underground newspapers shared the Danish version of the story.
What was the Churchill Club?
The Churchill Club was one of the first organized sabotage groups. All its eleven members were boys ages fourteen to seventeen. They would do whatever small sabotage actions they could think of such as steal weapons and set railroad cars on fire. Sadly, they were arrested for their actons and were convicted when tried.
Chapter 5
In what ways did the Resistance get guns?
The Resistance got guns by making them themselves, secretly bringing them into Denmark from other countries, and by stealing them, mostly from the German soldiers.
Chapter 6
Describe what two of the people mentioned in this chapter did to resist the Nazis.
One person mentioned in this chapter who tried to resist the Nazis was Johan Legrath. His act of resistance was to help downed pilots get back across to Sweden and they would then go the rest of the way home on their own. Although all he had to do was sit with his girlfriend and make sure the person on the kayak came back on time, he barely had any idea who anyone was or what they had done to help him and the others involved in this plan.
Another person mentioned in this chapter who tried to resist the Nazis was Dora Thing. What she did to help the resistance was she helped her husband, Borge Thing, escape from the hospital in the middle of his eight months sentace to jail. To help him all she did was bring him a shopping bag of normal civilian clothes, but with out them he would have easily been noticed and sentanced to even more jail time.
Chapter 7
How did Werner Best manage to keep many of the Jews in Denmark?
Werner Best was able to keep many of the Jews in Denmark because on many occasions he was questioned about he rumors that the Jews were going to be taken away, but each time he completely denied any kind of that action.
Chapter 8
Who is Niels Bohr, and how did he help the Jews in Denmark?
Niels Bohr was a half Jew who escaped the Nazi roundup of Jews once the news of it was conformed. Once he was safely in Sweden the allies wanted him to fly to London but he insisted on talking to the Swedish foreign minister and later the Swedish king requesting that they be a safe place for all the fleeing Danish Jews.
Is there any part of the description of Ben Bogratschew's escape to Sweded that reminds you of details from Number the Stars?
Two parts of the description of Bens's escape remind me of Number the Stars. One part that reminds me of Number the Stars is when to avoid the Nazi roundup of the Jews Ben's family splits up and stays with different friends; just like in Number the Stars when the Rosens have to go into hiding the family splits up and stays with different friends. Another part that reminds me of Number the Stars is when the family leaves in the night the baby is given a drug to keep it sleeping, just like in Number the Stars the baby has to take a drug to keep it sleeping.
Chapter 9
What affect did the persecution and round up of Danish Jews have on other Danish citizens?
The persecution and round up of Danish Jews had the affect of making the other Danish citizens mad and made them have an even bigger will to defeat the Nazis.
Explain what Bobs Peschcke-Koedt did to help the Resistance.
What Bobs Peschcke-Koedt did to help the Resistance is he would take the picture of people trying to get to Sweden, mostly ploicemen, to help them make a fake ID. Because Bobs was a professional photographer it wasn't odd at all to for him to have a photo shoot set up in his basement.
Why was the bombing of the Shell House so important?
The bombing of the Shell House was very important becuase if it wouldn't have happened many very active resistance groups could have been caught. The Nazis had found out so much information about some resistance people and they kept almost all the files inside the Shell House so if the bombing had not taken place almost the entire Danish Resistance would have been shut down.
Chapter 12
How did Dr. Holm convince the Nazis to release Danish Jews?
Dr. Holm convinced the Nazis to release the Danish Jews by going to one of their parties bringing big amounts of food and drinks. Once many of the Nazis were a bit drunk he brought out a form that, if signed, would free the Danish Jews. He went around the room and had all the men sign it, even though many of the men were too drunk to even know what they were signing.
Chapter 13
What action officially closed the books on the German occupation of Denmark?
The action that offically closed the books was when Werner Best called up Bibber Peschcke-Koedt and asked him and his resistance group and come and arrest him. He did this because he feared that the Danes would come after him and try to kill him.
When many of the Danish Jews returned to Denmark, what did they find?
Wehn many of the Danish Jews returned they found belongings intact, clean painted homes and apartments, and well-cared-for pets. When they returned home they found completly happy, joyful, and proud Danes, for they had just defeated the Nazis.